Lieberman also ordered Seidel to serve 20 years of probation following the prison term and pay $45,000 in restitution to the victim's family.

Seidel was driving a chair scooter at 4 a.m. in a garage party at 222 Lorane Road when Seidel bumped into Dietrich, according to authorities.

The two argued before Seidel fatally shot Dietrich in the chest with a .380-caliber handgun, police said.

Assistant District Attorney Amy Rothermel asked Lieberman for the maximum sentence of 20 to 40 years in state prison.

After the sentencing, the victim's father, Herbert Dietrich III, said he was unhappy with the outcome.

"I think he should have spent a little more time in jail," said Dietrich, 46, of Schuylkill County. "The judge did the best he could with what he had to work with."

Seidel's lawyer, Kurt B. Geishauser, said the sentence was fair.

Geishauser asked for a sentence of 71/2 years in prison because Seidel cooperated and has no prior record, making him a good candidate for rehabilitation.

"This is another example of how alcohol and firearms do not mix," Geishauser said.

Lieberman said that it was the most distressing case that he has presided over during his 15 years as a judge.

"Nobody is perfect," Lieberman said. "No matter how imperfect we are Tyler did not deserve to die. Travis would not have pulled that trigger if he was not extremely intoxicated."

Seidel of the 500 block of March Street apologized.

"I wish I could erase that day," Seidel said during the sentencing in a packed courtroom. "I hope everyone finds it in their heart one day to forgive me."

Geishauser read a letter in which Seidel wrote about how he missed his friend.

"I am not even able to forgive myself," Seidel wrote. "I can feel the hate pressing down on my shoulder. I lost my brother and my best friend."

Seidel said he messed up and will never be the same.

Seidel dropped out of Gov. Mifflin High School in 10th grade and worked at restaurants and other jobs, Geishauser said. Geishauser said Seidel had a gun for protection because two years ago someone pointed a gun at him during another party.